Steel frame decks hold a very similar appearance to the average wooden deck, but they are much more sustainable. Steel decks are installed with interlocking joist and ledger systems which fortifies the structure against weather damage and corrosion. They are easy to work with and flexible enough to accommodate corners, bends and curves in the deck design.
Steel deck framing is the latest evolution in deck design and has quickly become a favourite over the traditional wood deck. This is because wooden decks are prone to rotting, breakage, warping, damage and splintering. The average wooden deck will need a full replacement about every 10-15 years. A large factor in the quick decline of wooden decks is their exposure to water – something that can rarely be avoided for an outdoor deck next to a pool.
Conversely, the average professionally installed steel deck will remain completely intact and safe for over 60 years. It will maintain the same like-new condition for at least 25 years and maintenance requirements are very low. Unlike wood, steel is not susceptible to moisture damage and high quality steel will rarely show any signs of age.
Advantages
Durability is the number one advantage for steel frame decks. Their 60+ year lifespan dwarfs most other materials such as timber (even treated timber cannot compete with a duration like this). They are also maintenance free, environmentally friendly, rust and corrosion resistant, and extremely strong. This makes steel decks one of the best material options for high-intensity areas such as near pools or in harsh outdoor weather conditions. Some other advantages to a steel deck include:
- Easy installation process
- Strength
- Flexibility
- Sustainable
- Stylish
- Anti-slip
- Safe, smooth finish
- Pest resistant
- Cost effective
Disadvantages
Like any material, steel does come with its drawbacks. For those hoping to install a steel frame deck, here is what that means.
- Difficult to DIY. Building a deck frame is simple for those with the know-how and resources, but experience is very crucial to the success of the installed deck. Construction teams are capable of installing steel decks at a very fast pace and using a simple method, but this will be difficult to pull off at home if you do not already know how to build a steel deck frame and have the proper tools.
- The Australian tariff. Australia has a very high manufacturing import tax for goods like steel, as a way to protect local Australian manufacturing companies. This makes steel a fairly expensive material in Australia. Australian steel usually costs around $0.75-$2.00 per kilo.
- Initial costs. Steel is much more expensive up front than other materials like wood. However, remember that steel decks can often outlast wooden decks by as much as four times their lifespan. If you intend to keep the home in the family or live there for a long time, you can consider the steel frame deck an investment.
Steel framing design ideas: Plans, kits and manufacturers to inspire your steel framing system.
05. Steeldeck
One lesser-known option for the handy DIY-er is a steel decking frame kit. Purchasing prefab steel frames from quality Australian manufacturers like Steel-Deck ensures that you will be equipped with all of the metal materials you need, including steel joists, beams, span tables, foundational frames, posts, an installation guide and more.
Steel-Deck is compatible with all decking types, meaning that you can reap the benefits of a steel framed deck while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of timber or tile. The simple screw-fixed assembly makes setup a breeze. These prefab kits are also fairly affordable; for an instant free quote, fill out this prefab steel deck calculator.
04. Bunnings
Bunnings actually offers a custom made steel frame kit with bearers and joists cut to the desired length. The steel deck is delivered in kit form and is made from GALVASPAN fire resistant steel, which will prevent rot and warping for decades. It is a versatile design which could be used for mezzanines and other sub-floor applications as well as outdoor pool decks etc.
03. Picture frame decking
Picture frame decking is a beautiful new style which has recently emerged for both aesthetic and practical reasons. Having a clear border for the edge of the deck is safer, especially for children and those with impaired vision. A definitive edge to the deck helps people to conceptualize how much space they have and will avoid nasty accidents such as falling off the deck, slipping, or misjudging the stairs. (For a metal stair calculator, see here).
02. Platform
A platform deck is a raised deck which usually is not at ground level. There are many reasons for installing a platform deck rather than a simple deck that follows the shape of the ground. The most common is that the ground may not be level. If you live on a hill with a steep incline, installing a platform deck can be a much simpler task than trying to level the ground.
Another reason is the aesthetic appeal – platform decks are stylish, statement pieces that dominate a backyard space. Another reason someone might opt for a platform deck is the type of pool that they own. Often people will install steel frame decks around above ground pools to provide easy access and make the pool seem more natural in the backyardscape. Steel is undoubtedly one of the most pool-friendly construction materials, so a steel-framed deck is the perfect way to ensure durability in the years to come.
01. Smartkits Australia
Smartkits is one of Australia’s leading suppliers of prefabricated deck kits. All of their deck frames are made from 100% Australian made steel and they have partnered with trusted Australian brands such as BlueScope and Colorbond steel.
This frame kit includes everything you need to assemble the steel frame and reaches a height of up to 1m. The frame can support all manner of cladding products such as timber, composite or tile. They are highly customizable and you can input specific dimensions for stairs and curves as needed. Every kit comes with the accompanying council compliant drawings, paperwork, and installation guides.
